An Interview with
Sharon

Witch

How and when did you "discover" Paganism?

My husband bought me the Parker Astrology Kit for my birthday in 1999. I have no idea why as I had not shown a great interest in the subject. I feel he was given a little nudge here. I finished the whole book in a couple months and being an avid learner wanted to go further. I hopped onto the Internet and started researching and the words 'new-age', 'Neo-Pagan' and finally 'Wicca' kept popping up. As I read and researched I often realised "Hey, but that is what I believe!" or "Wow, so I am not the only one who feels like this!" I eventually came to the conclusion, "Well, so that settles it, I am a Witch and never knew it!!". It was just wonderful to know I was not weird or alone in my beliefs. I performed a self-initiation dedication in September 2000. I've spent most of my time since studying, growing and teaching what I know. As a stay-at-home and self-employed mum I have plenty of time to study.

What Path do you follow?

I'm eclectic.

What does being a Pagan mean to you?

Hard one... Being part of the All and one with the All. Truely knowing myself, the real, deep, inner self, as I have never done before.

What do you do for a living?

Besides Tarot, I-ching, Birthcharts and Numerology charts, home blessings or any other ritual needed, I also do DTP, web site design and (my forte) Powerpoint slide shows.

Are you actively involved in your Pagan community?

Durban Pagans have, at the moment, only one Coven and it is not the 'right' coven for everyone... (long story there). I have been contacted by many who are looking for a 'home'. There is not much here in Durban for Pagans, unfortunately, especially seekers. The Pagan community is currently very scattered.

I am currently starting my own eclectic Coven 'Gentle Breeze'. I also give talks on Paganism and offer courses through my on-line School Zephyr's Xanadu. I believe it's the only on-line Southern Hemisphere based course.

I also offer 1-on-1 personal lessons. I have been asked by schools in my area to give talks on Paganism and have created a slide show and brochures for this. This will start in the new school year. I am also planning to set up my own workshop in the near future to produce my own incenses, oils, candles, and jewelry.

Your on-line blog http://360.yahoo.com/sagetab has attracted quite a lot of attention. What motivated you to start writing about your experiences?

It started off as a sort of catharsis for me. I wanted people to know that they are not alone in their suffering and perhaps help some of them. It eventually became a journal for me.

Where would you like to see Paganism in South Africa in 2010?

Mainly, I would like to see Paganism and Pagans recognised and accepted without fear, anger or strange ideas of what we are and do. I would also like to see more Pagans involved openly in ecological and social causes. If people knew that Pagans were involved in causes in such these, it may help to dispell the negative myths and help people to see Pagans as they are on the whole; nature based, nurturing and caring.

Or, as a Christian once said to me, "You cannot be a Witch. You are self-dellusional. You have too much love, compassion and caring, more than most Christians I know, to be a Witch!"
To which I replied, "That is because I am a Witch!"

Being a Witch has taught me compasion, kindness, tolerance and a great love and respect of all things. It has opened me up to myself; my true inner self. I did not like what I saw (all those Shadow issues) and changed it!!! I am now more aware, more in touch with everything around me... and this has made me the person that the Christian Woman sees in me. And, of course, I am now more careful in what I say, think and do... always mindful!

Contact Sharon

Zephyr's Parlour